SOLE F65 Treadmill Review 2018

Features

6/10

Tech Specs

7/10

Build Quailty

8/10

Treadmill Review

Updated: 5-3-2018

The F65 is a sturdy, heavy treadmill which outshines competitor treadmill in its price range in several ways.

The durable frame can hold up to 350 lbs, has 2” more belt width, 3% more incline, which is more than other treadmills in its price bracket. While there are areas which the NordicTrack C1650 outdoes the F65, for the most part, they are fairly equal machines.

Overall, we think the F65 is a decent machine for its price and a good option for users who want a strong, streamlined treadmill.

Price

The SOLE F65 is often priced at $1,299.99.

The F65 Is Built For Users Who:

Need a heavy-duty treadmill - This treadmill is built well and is capable of delivering a good workout for the long term. The F65 can hold up to 350 lbs and reach inclines of up to 15%. With more incline levels than other similarly priced treadmills, users can burn calories faster and challenge their bodies.

Prefer a simple interface - With only 10 programs to choose from, the interface of the F65 is simple and clean. The LCD screen is bright and displays key information like calories burned and distance gone.

Have dedicated space - The F65 is a heavy treadmill weighing 262 lbs. Since it is so heavy, it is best if users have a dedicated space for the treadmill. It generally takes two people to move it safely.

Why The F65 Earned 3.5 Stars

While in several important areas the F65 outdoes similarly priced treadmills, there are a few aspects which make a different treadmill brand in the same price point a better option.

Excellent in some key specs - Some of the things which make the F65 rise above competitor treadmills in its price range are its 22” x 60” running belt, higher weight capacity, and ability to go 3% higher than other similarly priced treadmills.

Few weaknesses in design - The motor of the F65 is a bit smaller than the C1650, though larger than the Horizon Adventure 5. The side rails are flimsy plastic except for an under 2” section of reinforced metal. Also, speed and incline control are located on the handrails which we feel are poorly placed. They are easy to hit on accident when reaching for the hand rails for balance.

Limited options - The F65 has an outdated LCD screen, offers only a few programs, has an unimpressive fan and speakers. Similarly priced treadmills from competing companies have better components when compared side by side to the F65. Though these items don’t necessarily affect your ability to exercise, we feel for the same money spent, you could get better quality features from of a different treadmill.

Main Specs - 7/10

Specs “Quick Review”:

Motor Size: 3.25 CHP

Running Area: 22” x 60”

Weight Capacity: 350 lbs

Folding: Yes

Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 37” x 82” x 57”

Footprint Folded (W ,L, H):

Incline Range: 0% - 15%

Max Speed: 12 MPH

Treadmill Best For: Walker, Jogger, Runner

Electrical Requirements:

Motor Size - There is a 3.25 CHP motor in this treadmill. This makes the F65 good for walkers, joggers, and occasional running.

Running Area - The running surface is 22” by 60”. That gives the F65 2” more in width than both the Adventure 5 and C1650, as they are 20” x 60”. If you are the kind of user who likes space to swing their arms, the extra two inches are noticeable.

Weight Capacity - The top user weight the F65 can accommodate is 350 lbs. While none of our testers are near that weight to see if the claim holds up, the F65 is very sturdy which is a trademark of SOLE treadmills and the F65 likely can hold 350 lbs just fine.

Folding - The F65 can fold up for safe storage when not in use. It uses a hydraulic system so users can fold the treadmill deck with ease.

Space / Footprint - When it comes to the F65, it is 37” wide x 82” long x 57” high. It is not easy to move as it weighs 262 lbs but it can be safely done with two people.

Max Speed - The treadmills max speed is 12 MPH. This is common in most treadmills.

Incline - This treadmill has an incline range of 0% to 15%. You can go up by increments (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, etc) or use the quick set buttons on the console. The F65 beats out competitor treadmills in its price range by reaching 15% incline, as both the C1650 and Adventure 5 only reach 12% incline.

Features - 6/10

Features “Quick Review”

Display: 7.5” LCD

PreInstalled Workout Apps: 10

Speakers: 2

Fans: Yes

Heart Rate Monitoring: EKG handlebar grips, chest strap compatible

USB port: No

Audio Jack: Yes

Water bottle cubbies: 2

Device holder: Yes

Workout Apps - The F65 comes with only 10 programs. Two of these programs are customizable and the others focus on things like fat and calorie burning. If it offered more programs, it would receive a higher score as most treadmills we review offer more than 10 programs (adding to their value).

Display - A 7.5” LCD screen comes with the F65. Displayed on the screen is data such as user’s heart rate, pace, speed, and calories burned. The screen is predominately white and backlit, with blue lettering. The benefit to the LCD screen is that there is very little glare disrupting your view.

Speakers - There are two speakers mounted on either side of the console. While the sound is decent if users are just walking, when users go faster and need to turn up the volume, the sound deteriorates. It becomes fairly static and tinny when the speakers are using the higher volume settings.

Fans - The F65’s fan is built into the top of the console. Users can adjust the direction of the fan to angle it lower or higher depending on the height of the users. However, it is not very strong and doesn’t add much benefit to the user.

Heart Rate Monitoring - While the F65 is compatible with wireless heart rate monitoring chest straps, it does not come with one. You’ll have to purchase a chest strap separately. However, no treadmills in this price range come with a chest strap. This is unfortunate as heart rate monitoring handlebar grips are not accurate in tracking heart rate.

Hill Program - Input your max speed and time for this program to generate a hill workout for you.

Cardio Program - Input your max speed and desired workout duration for this program to generate a cardio workout.

Strength Program - Input your max speed and desired workout duration for this program to generate a strength workout.

Interval Program - Launch this program to engage in a challenging interval workout. Just input your desired workout duration and start working out.

User Programs - There are 2 user programs on the F65. You can log your personal workout data so you can just launch your workouts without needing to always input your data every time you workout.

Heart Rate Programs - There are two heart rate programs which you can use to workout at your target heart rate range.

Other Tech Features

SOLE Fitness - The F65 can be connected to a smart device by downloading and using the free SOLE Fitness app. Using the app makes creating custom workouts for the treadmill easier and can improve the experience of using the F65.

Various holders - Located on either side of the console are two water bottle cubbies. The F65 also has a device holder located below the console.

Console arm adjustment buttons - There are speed and incline adjustment buttons on the arms of the treadmill. This is an interesting feature that many SOLE treadmills have and can help users quickly change their speed and incline. It does make the arm space limited, so users have less room to hang onto if they need it.

Producing durable and well-made treadmills is one of the SOLE brand’s trademarks. The F65 has a heavy and sturdy frame which keeps the treadmill from bouncing around when in use. That sturdiness does mean it is difficult to move.

The hydraulic system does help make folding the deck easy. SOLE also has a smoother release system than other competitor brands. Just pull one lever, step back, and let the deck ease down without your help.

If there is one weakness in the build of the F65, it is the construction of the side rails. Like the F63, the side rails on the F65 have only a small section of reinforced metal for users to stand on while the rest of the rail is fairly flimsy plastic. Be sure to stand on the metal sections so you do not crack the side railing.

Bottom Line Review Of The SOLE F65

The F65 is a good, sturdy treadmill and reasonably priced for the options it offers. It is limited in programs and entertainment but should appeal to users who want a simpler treadmill. It can hold users up to 350 lbs and has a durable frame so users up to that weight can lean on the console without concern.

While the C1650 has a larger motor and more entertainment options, the F65 will still appeal to users who are more concerned with having a solid machine which can handle a few things well. Overall, we are comfortable recommending the F65 for users looking for a good treadmill in this price range.

View Our Video Comparing The Entire Treadmill Line From SOLE:

Read More Sole Treadmill Reviews:

Best Place To Buy The SOLE F65 Treadmill

Purchasing the F65 treadmill through the manufacturer’s website will secure you the best customer support and sales help. If you do have a problem when you receive your new machine, it would be best to not need to work with a third-party to have things resolved. Also, you can be sure to get the best price when you buy directly from SOLE.